Tony Jefferson | Defensive Back | #22

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Restricted free agent S Tony Jefferson said he is likely staying with the Cardinals.

Arizona offered Jefferson an original-round tender, meaning it would cost no draft compensation for another team to acquire him via an offer sheet. He has yet to see significant interest, however, and is likely best suited playing out his one-year tender before hitting the open market in 2017. With Rashad Johnson gone to Nashville and Tyrann Mathieu (ACL) questionable at best for Week 1, Jefferson is on track to play heavy snaps. Apr 9 - 10:47 AM

It's the lowest possible tender, setting Jefferson's 2016 salary at $1.67 million. That assumes a safety-needy NFL team won't pursue signing Jefferson to an offer sheet. If that happens and the Cardinals fail to match, Steve Keim's club would get nothing in return. Jefferson is toward the top of this year's restricted free agent market. Arizona's oft-used third safety last season, Jefferson notched 78 tackles, two sacks, three picks, and two forced fumbles. He's a 24-year-old playmaker. Mar 2 - 6:21 PM

ESPN Cardinals reporter Josh Weinfuss expects S Tony Jefferson to have a reduced role this season.

Jefferson made eight starts and played 746 snaps last year. With Tyrann Mathieu healthy, Jefferson should back up Rashad Johnson. Deone Bucannon will play in sub packages when Mathieu moves to the slot. Sat, May 30, 2015 09:12:00 PM

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It's the lowest possible tender, setting Jefferson's 2016 salary at $1.67 million. That assumes a safety-needy NFL team won't pursue signing Jefferson to an offer sheet. If that happens and the Cardinals fail to match, Steve Keim's club would get nothing in return. Jefferson is toward the top of this year's restricted free agent market. Arizona's oft-used third safety last season, Jefferson notched 78 tackles, two sacks, three picks, and two forced fumbles. He's a 24-year-old playmaker.

ESPN Cardinals reporter Josh Weinfuss expects S Tony Jefferson to have a reduced role this season.

Jefferson made eight starts and played 746 snaps last year. With Tyrann Mathieu healthy, Jefferson should back up Rashad Johnson. Deone Bucannon will play in sub packages when Mathieu moves to the slot.

Jefferson appeared in all 16 games as an undrafted rookie last season, making two starts and recording 24 tackles. The strong safety job could come down to Jefferson, incumbent Rashad Johnson, and a draft pick. Jefferson could also see time at free safety if Tyrann Mathieu (knee) isn't ready for Week 1.

Jefferson (5-foot-10 3/4, 213) made 34 career starts at free safety, compiling eight interceptions, 18 tackles for loss, and seven sacks. Most troublesome during the pre-draft process was his 4.75 forty time, which isn't going to cut it for an NFL safety. Jefferson will look to buck the trend of unsuccessful Oklahoma defensive backs. A dozen Sooners DBs have been drafted since Roy Williams in '02, and the closest to a "hit" was Brodney Pool. Beat writer Kent Somers believes Jefferson has a "real shot" to make the Cardinals.

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David Johnson rushed 18 times for 84 yards and a touchdown while catching 9-of-12 targets for 91 yards and another score in the Cardinals' Week 13 win over the Redskins.

There is not much left to say about David Johnson. A dominant force both on the ground and through the air, Johnson put the offense on his back against Washington. He opened the scoring with a short touchdown after a strong opening drive, consistently moved the chains with big catches in the passing game, and scored the go-ahead touchdown on a 25-yard catch in the fourth quarter. He also converted a late fourth down with a big run. The fact these games have become almost expected speaks to how spectacular Johnson has been all season. He is the overall RB1 every week.

Johnson underwent sports hernia surgery after injuring his groin in Week 4. The Cardinals declined to make him their designated player to return, instead choosing CB Tyvon Branch. Johnson has had his last two seasons cut short due to injuries but still feels he has something to offer. The 31-year-old is headed for free agency.

It's his first practice since going down in Week 5. Coach Bruce Arians said Iupati "looked good" and is trending toward playing. Barring any setbacks, Iupati should return for Sunday night's game against Seattle.